Unit sales above prior-year level at 628,900 vehicles
Revenue up by 6% to €31.5 billion
EBIT from ongoing business significantly higher than in prior year at €2,463 million (Q2 2013: €2,192 million)
Net profit of €2,196 million (Q2 2013: €4,583 million)
Significant growth in unit sales and revenue anticipated for full-year 2014
EBIT from ongoing business expected to be significantly higher than in 2013

The development of unit sales in the United States and China was positive once again: In the United States, Mercedes-Benz Vans increased its sales in the second quarter by 18% to 7,200 units. We posted a double-digit growth rate also in China, where unit sales increased by 17% to 3,900 vehicles. In Latin America, however, unit sales decreased significantly compared with the second quarter of last year (-22%). This development primarily reflects the difficult market environment in that region.

Our growth was driven above all by the market success of the Sprinter. We sold 48,700 units of our large van worldwide in the second quarter of 2014, which is 15% more than in the prior-year period. In the segment of mid-sized vans (including the new V-Class), Mercedes-Benz Vans surpassed the prior-year level in the reporting period despite the model change and sold 22,300 vehicles (Q2 2013: 20,800). 5,000 units of the Mercedes-Benz Citan were sold (Q2 2013: 5,200).

World Premiere of the new V-Class

First major order for new V-Class from France

Immediately after the market launch of the new Mercedes-Benz V-Class in France, Europcar received 175 units of the model for its fleet. Europe’s leading auto rental company will at first offer the premium vehicles with the three-pointed star at its Europcar car-rental stations at airports and in holiday regions. The new multipurpose vehicle is the youngest and largest member of our passenger-car family and sets new standards in its segment with its design and a large number of innovations such as SIDEWIND ASSIST and ATTENTION ASSIST.

Innovations of the Mercedes-Benz V-Class - Inspired by parents.

International awards for Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Vito

As in the past eight years, the Sprinter confirmed its leading position and was once again awarded first place as “KEP Van of the Year 2014.” The prize was awarded by a jury of experts from Germany’s courier, express and parcel-service industry (KEP). The Mercedes-Benz Vito also succeeded within a strong competitive environment and was the winner in the category of “Vans up to 3.0 tons.” In addition, the Sprinter took first and second place as the most environmentally friendly and most efficient van in the “Green Van 2014” competition.